Chapter 1421: Chapter 566: Paralyzed with Anger, A Team Is Like a Small Family

"Greetings, Your Honor! Greetings to all the members of the media present! I am honored to testify on behalf of Dr. Zhou Can today. Thank you, Your Honor, for this opportunity, and thank you, Dr. Zhou, for your trust. I can promise that every word I speak henceforth is the truth, and I am willing to bear legal responsibility."

Zhong Ming, usually quiet and reserved, was surprisingly articulate in court.

After Jiang Wei finished her testimony, she returned to the seating below.

Seeing Zhong Ming emerge, she seemed to have an epiphany, with much of the worry visibly lifted from her face.

Zhong Ming’s gaze nonchalantly swept over the two Deans Zhang seated below.

When enemies meet, their eyes blaze with fury.

"First, I must publicly clarify a matter. That afternoon, Dr. Zhou found me, saying that at the First Hospital, a patient who underwent an esophageal repair surgery developed an esophageal fistula three days post-surgery. The situation was quite complex, and they wanted assistance from an outside doctor. To be honest, no doctor wishes to take over cases where post-operative issues arise due to the high risks involved. Following another doctor’s surgical error, handling it only becomes more challenging for subsequent doctors."

The judge and jurors nodded continuously.

Indeed, patients needing a second surgery are a hot potato.

People tend to avoid risk, and no doctor wants to inherit troubles.

"Dr. Zhou told me that the First Hospital was incapable of handling the patient, and transferring the case to another hospital was almost impossible. Fortunately, Song Qian, the Deputy Chief of the Medical Department at the First Hospital, and Dr. Zhou’s surgical nurse, Jiang Wei, were classmates. Knowing Dr. Zhou’s strong surgical skills and adeptness with complex cases, they reached out to Zhou Can through Jiang Wei, seeking his help with a consultation. Initially, Dr. Zhou hesitated to go because he was already overwhelmed with work. However, he relented to Jiang Wei’s persistent requests, considering that without assistance, no one else might take on the patient."

"Out of a physician’s benevolent heart, he approached me for help. Although Dr. Zhou is highly skilled surgically, his rank is quite low. He wanted to responsibly ensure patient care and adhere strictly to laws and regulations, thus seeking to have a qualified associate chief physician guide him through the surgery."

Zhong Ming calmly and methodically clarified the entire sequence of events.

Many present were deeply moved.

At this moment, the family and patient sitting at the plaintiff’s bench seemed restless.

No matter how shameless they were, under this invisible moral pressure, amidst all the eyes, they felt deeply ashamed.

"I can attest that Dr. Zhong Ming’s account is mostly true. I did implore Dr. Zhou for help back then, which led to him agreeing. Moreover, his involvement in the surgery was not for monetary gains. To my knowledge, he comes from a wealthy family and does not lack money."

Jiang Wei endeavored to speak favorably for Zhou Can.

Having received the fifty-thousand-dollar agreement, she testified.

Subtly offering a few fair words for Zhou Can was effortless.

"Witness Jiang Wei, you are not being questioned, please do not interject."

The plaintiff’s lawyer, noticing the unfavorable shift, felt a cold wave wash over.

They promptly stopped Jiang Wei from offering statements beneficial to Zhou Can.

"Witness Zhong Ming, based on your testimony, may I interpret that Dr. Zhou Can, after taking on the surgery, essentially had you lead the operation, wherein you primarily handled the surgical plan, treatment, diagnosis, and so on, and he assisted under your guidance for the second surgery?"

The lawyer on Zhou Can’s side seized the opportunity to question.

Expanding the advantage, steering the thoughts of the judge and jurors alike.

"That’s correct. After taking on this private job, Dr. Zhou immediately sent me the patient’s information. The entire surgical process was safely conducted under my guidance. However, in discussing the patient’s condition and surgical plan, Dr. Zhou actively participated in the consultation and offered very valuable suggestions. I must admit, though I am a senior associate chief physician, Dr. Zhou’s diagnostic approach, surgical technique, and nimble use of medical knowledge far surpass my own. Talent is something I have to acknowledge; he is far superior to me."

Zhong Ming seized the chance to praise Zhou Can a little.

The two Dean Zhangs were visibly vexed.

The plaintiff’s lawyer curtly interrupted, "Objection! Please, Witness Zhong Ming, do not elaborate on matters irrelevant to the case."

"Honorable Judge, I believe that Zhong Ming’s account is relevant to the case and can help everyone better understand Dr. Zhou Can’s actions during the surgery."

Zhou Can’s lawyer was no pushover.

"Witness Zhong Ming’s statement is pertinent; please proceed."

The judge, with an air of authority, maintained fairness.

The plaintiff’s lawyer, like a defeated rooster, was silent. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"To the patient and family, greetings. Actually, if you are dissatisfied with the surgical outcome, you should not be suing Dr. Zhou Can but rather the First Hospital and myself. Because I led that surgery, and in my capacity as medical assistant, I continuously guided Dr. Zhou throughout the operation. As per the relevant regulations, I am the primary responsible physician."

Zhong Ming turned to face the family and patient.

He directly took all the responsibility upon himself.

Unbeknownst to him, this small gesture made Zhou Can regard him as one of the most trustworthy individuals.

In the future, he will assuredly help him restore his standing in Tuya Hospital.

And Zhou Can is fully capable of doing so.

"Family and patient, in addition to testifying today, I have something else to tell you. The originally planned surgical strategy was to re-repair the esophageal fistula, which entailed debriding the fistula before suturing it. This method is easier and more convenient, and most advantageous for the surgeon. However, considering your future quality of life, Dr. Zhou strongly advocated for a more complex, challenging, and labor-intensive plan, namely the jejunostomy used later, administering nutrition via the jejunal fistula."